Sawyers Arms Tavern is one of Geelong’s oldest pubs offering warm hospitality, exceptional modern Australian dining and a traditional front bar.
Also known as ‘Clats’, it features a beer garden and private function room. Today, Sawyers Arms Tavern is one of Geelong’s best steak restaurants.
In 2022, Sawyers Arms Tavern, one of Geelong’s oldest pubs, changed hands after more than 60 years with the Clatworthy family.
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The iconic Newtown hotel affectionately known as ‘Clats’ was operated by Eileen Clatworthy until she was 91 years old. Under her leadership, Sawyers Arms Tavern elevated pub dining in the Geelong region with great meals and excellent service.
Today, the venue retains its family-owned credentials under current custodians, the Upham family. The pub has retained its focus on quality food and impeccable service, offering a comprehensive menu with a premium wine list.
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Owner Paul Upham said, “We really want to invite people to become part of the fabric of the pub. While it’s a classic local watering hole, we also want to offer a new culinary experience in refined pub food.” Executive Chef Jackson Hunt has developed a menu that embraces modern Australian cuisine, retaining key dishes that have been enjoyed by the pub’s loyal clientele for years.
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The menu comprises modern Australian pub fare focusing on fresh seasonal and local produce. It features pub favourites such as garlic bread and salt and pepper calamari to start, but also challenges your choice of a trusty pub classic, to try something new including a pumpkin and chickpea curry, a roasted duck leg, and a lamb ragu pappardelle.
You can also enjoy an express lunch, featuring a classic Sawyers Arms parmi, and a prawn linguine, and a classic sticky date pudding or housemade vanilla icecream. A terrific value at just $49 for a main and dessert, and a glass of wine or beer. Available 7 days a week.
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Since acquiring the business, the Upham family has renovated and extended the venue to create a diverse range of premium dining offerings. In June 2024, the opening of Eileen’s Charcoal Grill will complete the site’s trilogy of restaurants. Eileen’s is an intimate dining space with classic old world character. Executive Chef Mario Tambalong has created a steak-focused menu with a decidedly European feel. It joins Two Noble, the Asian fine dining offering that opened up in 2023.
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Two Noble emphasises shared dining, encouraging guests to take a culinary journey through Southeast Asia. Fresh seafood, locally sourced meat and seasonal produce are accompanied by intriguing cocktails and a considered wine list that champions exceptional independent vineyards. Two Noble was awarded a Chef’s Hat in January 2024.
You can book a table here for your next upcoming lunch or dinner.
Where: 2 Noble Street, Newtown 3220
Open: Open 7 days, 11:30am – 11pm
